Abstract: A shutter device includes a base plate including an opening, a blade unit configured to switch a state of the opening, a driving member configured to drive the blade unit, a motor, a decelerator configured to decelerate power from the motor, a first connector engaged with the decelerator, a second connector having one end attached to the driving member and another attached to the first connector, a first position detector configured to detect passage through a predetermined position in a moving locus of the driving member or the first connector, and a second position detector configured to detect a relative difference from the first position detector. The blade unit switches the state of the opening from the closed state to the opened state by continuous rotation of the first connector. Driving of the motor is controlled based on results of the detection by the first and second position detectors.

Abstract: A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a lens barrel including at least one lens and a lens hole, and a variable aperture including an aperture hole area which is arranged on the lens hole formed in the lens barrel, a size of the aperture hole area being is adjustable, and an electronic device including the same.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus equipped with a camera includes a shutter mechanism which includes: a plate that is installed so as to be able to move between a first position shielding a lens of a camera from light and a second position not shielding the lens of the camera from light; and a control unit that controls electric power from a power unit that causes a first wire or a second wire to thermally shrink. The plate is moved from the first position to the second position by the first operation lever, and, when the plate is in the second position, causes the second wire to thermally shrink to thereby drive a second operation lever, so that the plate is moved from the second position to the first position by a biasing force of a first spring.

Abstract: An apparatus body of an image pickup apparatus that ensures reliability of an electric connection between a lens adapter and the apparatus body with a simple configuration even when a spacer is inserted between the lens adapter that has an electrical communication unit and the apparatus body. A lens adapter to which an interchangeable lens is detachably attached is detachably attached to a fixing unit. An electrical connecting portion is formed as a comb-shaped terminal that is electrically connected with a terminal of the electrical communication unit provided in the lens adapter. A contact portion of the comb-shaped terminal contacting with the terminal of the electrical communication unit is slidable with respect to the terminal of the electrical communication unit.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods for determining a magnetic field distribution of a magnet along a main surface of said magnet. An example device for determining a magnetic field distribution of a magnet along a main surface of said magnet includes an arrangement of at least two independent magnetic field camera modules being arranged in a fixed relative position with respect to each other, each magnetic field camera module being adapted for measuring a magnetic field distribution to which it is exposed by means of a respective detection surface. The device also includes a means for providing a predetermined relative movement between the main surface and the arrangement to thereby scan the magnetic field distribution of the magnet along the main surface.

Abstract: The focal-plane shutter includes a blade drive member, an acceleration member providing a driving force to the drive member, and a lock member reducing bounce of the drive member after blade movement completion and being movable between a first position where a stopper portion thereof enters a movable area of a contact portion of the drive member and a second position where the stopper portion is located outside the movable area. During the blade movement, the contact portion pushes the lock member to move it from the first to second position. Before the blade movement completion, the contact portion is away from the lock member and thereby the lock member is moved from the second to first position by a biasing force. After the completion, the acceleration member pushes the lock member to move it from the first to second position.

Abstract: A blade drive device includes: a board including an opening; first and second blades opening and closing the opening; and first and second actuators arranged adjacent to each other and respectively driving the first and second blades, wherein the first and second actuators respectively include first and second stators, first and second rotors, and first and second coils, and the first and second rotors is arranged to sandwich at least one of the first and second coils.

Abstract: To provide an imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the apparatus that enables improved automatic focus adjustment performance also in relation to an image having a shallow depth of field. An imaging element 103 includes a focus state detection unit for detecting a phase difference. A camera signal processing unit 106 generates a focus adjustment signal based on the imaging signal and outputs the signal to a camera control unit 109. The camera control unit 109 acquires an in-focus lens position in accordance with a focus lens based on a focus deviation amount based on a focus state detection result, calculates distance information related to the in-focus distance on the image screen, and controls the driving of the focus lens 102 based on the distance information and the focus adjustment signal from the camera signal processing unit 106.

Abstract: An optical apparatus having a recording mode that is switchable between motion picture recording and still picture recording includes an optical element, a motor that includes a rotor having a magnet, and a stator having a coil configured to provide a rotational force to the magnet, the motor being configured to drive the optical element, a position sensor configured to detect a position of the rotor of the motor, and a driving circuit configured to select, in accordance with the recording mode, first driving configured to switch an electrization to the coil in the motor in accordance with a determined time interval, or second driving configured to switch an electrization to the coil in the motor in accordance with an output of the position sensor.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a lens positioning unit includes a fixed structure, a monolithic flexure hinge structure, any one of upper and lower portions of which is provided with a lens mount on which a lens is mounted and the other portion of which is secured to the fixed structure, and an input unit rotatably coupled to the fixed structure, the input unit serving to convert rotational motion into vertical translational motion so as to transmit the vertical translational motion to the upper or lower portion of the monolithic flexure hinge structure provided with the lens mount.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuation apparatus comprises a movable element suspended on a support structure by a plurality of flexures which are non-uniformly configured to apply forces having differing components perpendicular to the movement axis generating a net moment around the center of mass of the movable element in an opposite sense from the moment generated by the actuation force. A shape memory alloy wire is coupled between the support structure and an intermediate body engaging the movable element through a pivotal contact to avoid lateral force transfer. Also coupled between the support structure and the intermediate body is a resilient biassing flexure plastically deformed in a partial region thereof. The shape memory alloy wire is crimped by a crimping member fixed to the support structure holding the shape memory alloy wire against a curved surface from which the shape alloy memory wire extends to the movable element.

Abstract: A lens barrel unit includes gyro sensors that detect vibration. The gyro sensors are disposed around a CCD mounting portion within a range over which the lens barrel unit is projected along the optical axis of a photographic optical system. This positional arrangement allows the lens barrel unit to be provided as a compact retractable unit, and ultimately achieves miniaturization of the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to track and to photograph a mobile object over a wide range, by a cooperative operation of multiple cameras. In addition, a mobile tracking system is provided for tracking the mobile object by the cooperation of multiple cameras, in which each camera includes a photographing device which photographs and recognizes the mobile object, a changing device which changes a view angle of the photographing device, a position deriving device which derives a position of the camera, a distance deriving device which derives the distance between the camera and the mobile object, and a communication device which transmits an identifier of the camera, a position of the camera, a moving direction of the mobile object and the distance between the camera and the mobile object to another camera and receives an identifier of the other camera, a position of the other camera, a moving direction of the mobile object and a distance between the other camera and the mobile object from the other camera.

Abstract: An optical apparatus having a recording mode that is switchable between motion picture recording and still picture recording includes an optical element, a motor that includes a rotor having a magnet, and a stator having a coil configured to provide a rotational force to the magnet, the motor being configured to drive the optical element, a position sensor configured to detect a position of the rotor of the motor, and a driving circuit configured to select, in accordance with the recording mode, first driving configured to switch an electrization to the coil in the motor in accordance with a determined time interval, or second driving configured to switch an electrization to the coil in the motor in accordance with an output of the position senor.

Abstract: An actuator apparatus of the present invention includes a movable body that is arranged so as to be movable forward or rearward, and a shape memory alloy wire that is provided directly or indirectly to the movable body so as to enter a non-tension state at an ordinary temperature. The shape memory alloy wire is subjected to expansion/contraction control in which an electric current is applied thereto from a power supply portion of an external control circuit portion to change a temperature thereof to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A digital camera module (100) with a focusing function includes a holder, an image sensor package (30) and a wedge (60). The holder has several lens elements (16) received therein. The image sensor package is movably received in the holder. The wedge is inserted into the holder and resists the image sensor package so that when the wedge is pushed, the image sensor is caused to slide axially relative to the holder.

Abstract: A telecommunications device includes a portable telephone unit having both wireless communication capability and image capture capability, with a refocusing arrangement that is mechanically driven by operations of telephone components primarily included to enable telephone functions that are independent from camera functions. In one embodiment, the incoming call alerting device, such as the vibrator motor, is used to provide refocusing actuation. In another embodiment, the telephone unit is a “flip phone” and the hinging operations store actuation force for refocusing operations. A ratchet cam may be used in the refocusing arrangement of the image capture capability.

Abstract: A drive apparatus having: a shape memory alloy having a property such that a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of austenite transformation (As) at a predetermined stress to an end point of austenite (Af) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range, and a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of martensite transformation (Ms) at a predetermined stress to an end point of martensite transformation (Mf) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range; and a driven member which is moved by a transformation of the shape memory alloy; wherein the driven member is moved in a temperature range of higher temperature transformation sensitivity.

Abstract: An auto-focusing zoom lens mechanism includes a base unit forming a space; an auto-focusing (AF) lens unit located in the base unit and having a trajectory bar engaged therewith; a zoom lens unit located in the base unit and mounted on the AF lens unit and having a trajectory bar engaged therewith; a cam plate unit engaged with the AF lens unit and the zoom lens unit and provided with an AF trajectory groove and a zoom trajectory groove to receive the trajectory bars of the AF lens unit and the zoom lens unit; and a step motor unit engaged with the cam plate unit to drive the cam plate unit, the AF lens unit and the zoom lens unit moving.

Abstract: A focus retaining mechanism of a camera is disclosed. The camera includes a base, a focusing lens, a retaining member, and a retaining hook. The base has a cylindrical and vertical opening in it. The focusing lens is rotationally fixed within the opening. The retaining member is horizontally and movably fixed in the base. The horizontal sides of the retaining member include a ratchet side, a smooth side, a first end and a second end positioned over the connecting portions of the ratchet side and the smooth side. The retaining hook has a horizontal arm and a vertical arm installed under the horizontal arm. The horizontal arm can move horizontally across the upper side of the retaining member, and the vertical arm can thus contact each of the horizontal sides of the retaining member.

Abstract: First and second driving systems are driven by a first motor via first and second planetary mechanisms through motor rotation in first and second directions, respectively. A third driving system is driven by the second planetary mechanism through motor rotation in the first direction. A switching mechanism switches a transmission path for the motor driving force by inhibiting one of the first and second planetary mechanisms from revolving, and causes the other of the first and second planetary mechanisms to transmit the driving force through a transmission path selected by the switching. First and second restraint members of the first and second planetary mechanisms, respectively, restrain the respective mechanisms from revolving simultaneously by inhibiting engagement of the first and second planetary mechanisms with the second and third driving systems, respectively.

Abstract: If a sun gear is rotated in the clockwise direction, a planetary arm is also rotated in the clockwise direction so as to permit the planetary gear and a transmission gear to operatively mesh. If the sun gear is then rotated in the clockwise direction, a cam plate driven by a pin is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. A first engaging lever is rotated in the clockwise direction by a cam mounted to the rotary edge of the cam plate to release the engagement of the rotary edge of the planetary arm. If the sun gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the planetary arm is rotated in the counterclockwise direction to permit the planetary gear to mesh with an idle gear. The planetary arm is engaged with a second engaging lever to maintain the meshed state between the planetary gear and the idle gear. If the sun gear is then rotated in the counterclockwise direction, a photographic film is wound up within a cartridge.

Abstract: A diaphragm switching apparatus according to the present invention comprises a gear adapted to rotate in response to a driving force of a focus motor used for driving a focus lens; a shaft for rotatably supporting the gear; a diaphragm switching means, secured to the shaft 12 and adapted to rotate together with the shaft, for switching a diaphragm upon rotating; an intermediate member engaging the diaphragm switching means so as to rotate together with the shaft and being slidable axially with respect to the shaft; an urging means for urging the gear away from the diaphragm switching means by way of the intermediate member by receiving a reaction force from the diaphragm switching means; and a holding part 12a for receiving the gear urged by the urging means.

Abstract: The lens interlock mechanism includes the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the third driving unit. The first driving unit moves the zoom lens along the optical axis direction of the zoom lens while giving a first driving force corresponding to the movement of the zoom lens to the third driving unit. The second driving unit gives a second driving force corresponding to a distance between the subject to the third drive unit. The third driving unit receives the first and second driving force given from the first and second drive units, and thereby, moves the focus lens in its the optical axis direction while keeping a predetermined relation to the zoom lens based on the distance to the subject.

Abstract: There is provided a camera which is compact in size and inexpensive even with the use of two motors, which allows relevant mechanisms to be laid out freely to thereby simplify motor controlling sequences, and which allows the user to quickly perform preliminary winding of a newly loaded film after film rewinding to thereby minimize the effects of film replacement during photographing. A first motor is used to drive a film winding driving system and a film rewinding driving system. A switching mechanism selectively switches between a winding state in which a driving force of the first motor can be transmitted to the film winding driving system, and a rewinding state in which the driving force of the first motor can be transmitted to the film rewinding driving system. A second motor is used to drive the switching mechanism for selective switching between the winding state and the rewinding state.

Abstract: A diaphragm switching apparatus according to the present invention comprises a gear 11 adapted to rotate in response to a driving force of a focus motor used for driving a focus lens; a shaft 12 for rotatably supporting the gear 11; a diaphragm switching means 13, secured to the shaft 12 and adapted to rotate together with the shaft 12, for switching a diaphragm upon rotating; an intermediate member 14 engaging the diaphragm switching means 13 so as to rotate together with the shaft 12 and being slidable axially with respect to the shaft 12 and being adapted to; an urging means 15 for urging the gear 11 away from the diaphragm switching means 13 by way of the intermediate member 14 by receiving a reaction force from the diaphragm switching means 13; and a holding part 12a for receiving the gear 11 urged by the urging means 15.

Abstract: A driving mechanism is disclosed that utilizes a shape-memory alloy. In particular, mechanical components are movably positioned by a member composed of shape-memory alloy, which changes shape when heated. The present invention reduces the number of mechanical components in a driving mechanism, thereby reducing size and improving performance. One of many applications of the present invention is a camera application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital camera with an adjusting device coupled with the lens and holes of the digital camera. The digital camera comprises a housing with a front opening installed at its front end for receiving incident light, a sensor installed at a rear end of the housing for recording the incident light, an iris strip moveably installed in the housing having a plurality of irises of different sizes for adjusting the amount of the incident light emitted to the sensor, a lens moveably installed in the housing for concentrating the incident light onto the sensor, and an adjusting device rotatably installed in the housing for adjusting positions of the lens and the iris strip. The adjusting device is rotated to move the lens to a plurality of lens positions to change the distance between the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: A driving force transmission switching apparatus for a camera in accordance with the present invention includes: a drive source that generates a driving force; a worm gear that receives the driving force to rotate; a driving force transmission gear device that includes a driving gear and meshes the driving gear with the worm gear to move the driving gear in parallel to an axial direction of the worm gear as the worm gear rotates so as to shift the driving gear to a plurality of transmission positions for applying a driving force of the drive source and a non-transmission position for not applying the driving force of the drive source; a plurality of driven gears which are disposed in positions for meshing with the driving gear, respectively corresponding to the plural transmission positions where the driving gear is to be set, and which receive a driving force of the drive source via the driving gear; and a position control device for conducting control by meshing the driving force transmission gear device wi

Abstract: A drive mechanism for moving a lens and adjusting a diaphragm by a driving force supplied by a single drive source, comprising: a transmission mechanism capable of taking a first transmitting condition by which the driving force is transmitted for both adjusting the diaphragm and moving the lens; and a second transmitting condition by which the driving force is transmitted for either adjusting the diaphragm or moving the lens. Both the lens and the diaphragm are driven while the drive source is supplying the driving force to the transmission mechanism taking the first transmitting condition, and either the lens or the diaphragm is driven while the drive source is supplying the driving force to the transmission mechanism taking the second transmitting condition.

Abstract: If a sun gear is rotated in the clockwise direction, a planetary arm is also rotated in the clockwise direction so as to permit the planetary gear and a transmission gear to be meshed with each other. If the sun gear is rotated in the clockwise direction under this state, a cam plate driven by a pin is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. A first engaging lever is rotated in the clockwise direction by a cam mounted to the rotary edge of the cam plate so as to release the engagement of the rotary edge of the planetary arm. If the sun gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction under this state, the planetary arm is rotated in the counterclockwise direction so as to permit the planetary gear to be meshed with an idle gear. The planetary arm is engaged with a second engaging lever so as to maintain the meshed state between the planetary gear and the idle gear. If the sun gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction under this state, a photographic film is wound up within a cartridge.

Abstract: A camera, lens positioning mechanism and method use a lens holding member to hold a lens therein for receiving optical information that may be captured on film or digitally. The lens holding member interfaces with a ring-shaped barrel member, geared ring or the like, that when turned in one direction by a motor forces the lens holding member out, or back, depending on a slope of a cam placed on the barrel member, slot in the barrel member or the like. When driven in the single direction, the cam member on the ring barrel member, forces the lens holding member in a predetermined direction. A biasing member connected to the ring provides an opposing force that when used during a focusing operation pulls the lens holding member and cam member back to a home position without the need of a driving force from the motor. A clutch mechanism engages and disengages the driving force of the motor on the geared ring depending on whether a focusing operation, lens storage operation, or zooming operation is performed.

Abstract: A camera includes a plurality of camera operation mechanisms, a sun gear which rotates by means of a motor, a planetary gear which revolves around the sun gear, and a plurality of output gears each capable of meshing with the planetary gear by means of revolution of the planetary gear. The plurality of output gears transmit power to the plurality of camera operation mechanisms, respectively. A holding member is switchable from a first state, in which the planetary gear is allowed to revolve freely, to a second state, in which the planetary gear is held at a revolution position where the planetary gear is in mesh with one of the plurality of output gears. A controller causes the planetary gear to revolve so as to mesh with a selected one of the plurality of output gears, and switches the holding member from the first state to the second state, after completion of a power transmitting operation.

Abstract: A camera turns on or off an autofocus magnet in accordance with range to object information during a normal photographing mode, as a first photographing specification, to drive a lens barrel to a far range in-focus position or to a near range in-focus position. During a self timer photographing mode, as a second photographing specification, the autofocusing magnet remains on for a predetermined self timer time measuring duration, and after the elapse of the duration, the autofocus magnet is turned off to open and close a shutter. In this way, the autofocus magnet is operated in the autofocusing driving and the self timer control. A compact and low-cost camera thus results.

Abstract: A TV camera lens device includes a flange back length control signal for moving a master lens group to a position of the proper flange back length in accordance with the operation of a flange back length control. It further includes a macro control signal generating device for outputting a macro control signal for moving the master lens group to a preset macro position where the master lens group is to be positioned during the macro-shooting. Then, either one of the flange back length control signal and the macro control signal is made to take preference in accordance with the operation of a selector switch, and the selected control signal is input to a control circuit. Incidentally, the macro position may be relatively defined as referenced from the position of the proper flange back length.

Abstract: A camera, lens positioning mechanism and method use a lens holding member to hold a lens therein for receiving optical information that may be captured on film or digitally. The lens holding member interfaces with a ring-shaped barrel member, geared ring or the like, that when turned in one direction by a motor forces the lens holding member out, or back, depending on a slope of a cam placed on the barrel member, slot in the barrel member or the like. When driven in the single direction, the cam member on the ring barrel member, forces the lens holding member in a predetermined direction. A biasing member connected to the ring provides an opposing force that when used during a focusing operation pulls the lens holding member and cam member back to a home position without the need of a driving force from the motor. A clutch mechanism engages and disengages the driving force of the motor on the geared ring depending on whether a focusing operation, lens storage operation, or zooming operation is performed.

Abstract: A camera includes a plurality of camera operation mechanisms, a sun gear which rotates by means of a motor, a planetary gear which revolves around the sun gear, and a plurality of output gears each capable of meshing with the planetary gear by means of revolution of the planetary gear. The plurality of output gears transmit power to the plurality of camera operation mechanisms, respectively. An unlocking device removes backlash by causing the planetary gear to rotate temporarily in an opposite direction when the planetary gear is to be switched from one of the plurality of output gears in mesh therewith, to another one of the plurality of output gears. A locking device prevents the planetary gear and such one output gear from coming out of mesh with each other until the backlash is removed when the unlocking device causes the planetary gear to rotate in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A camera has a movable lens barrel that is stowed in a camera body while the camera is inactive, and is protruded from the camera body to a near range focusing position or a far range focusing position by rotating a drive ring in one direction. The movable barrel returns to the stowed position by rotating the drive ring further in the same direction, because of a cam mechanism interconnecting the drive ring with the movable barrel. To rotate the drive ring, a rotational power of a motor in a first direction is transmitted to the drive ring through a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism is switched over according to the rotational direction of the motor and transmits a rotational power of the motor in a second direction to another mechanism. A controller controls driving the motor in response to signals entered through manually operated members, including a power switch, a shutter button and a zone selector, with reference to detection signals from a barrel position detector.

Abstract: In a camera, a stop lock mechanism has a locking click engaged with a driving gear of a peripheral portion of a collapse driving ring to which a driving force is transmitted when an electric motor forward rotates. When an electromagnet is enabled, an engagement of the locking click with the driving gear is released.

Abstract: A camera includes a plurality of camera operation mechanisms, a sun gear which rotates by means of a motor, a planetary gear which revolves around the sun gear, and a plurality of output gears each capable of meshing with the planetary gear by means of revolution of the planetary gear. The plurality of output gears transmit power to the plurality of camera operation mechanisms, respectively. A holding member is switchable from a first state, in which the planetary gear is allowed to revolve freely, to a second state, in which the planetary gear is held at a revolution position where the planetary gear is in mesh with one of the plurality of output gears. A controller causes the planetary gear to revolve so as to mesh with a selected one of the plurality of output gears, and switches the holding member from the first state to the second state, after completion of a power transmitting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a camera, comprises a plurality of operation mechanisms, a first rotation member, such as a sun gear, rotatable by operation of a motor, a second rotation member, such as a planetary gear which revolves around the sun gear, and a plurality of force transmitting members, such as output gears, each capable of meshing with the planetary gear by revolution of the planetary gear around the sun gear, where the plurality of output gears transmit power to the plurality of operation mechanisms, respectively, and a limiting structure, e.g., a stopper that limits revolution of the planetary gear around the sun gear. In one aspect, the limiting structure limits the revolution of the planetary gear at a revolution position where the planetary gear does not mesh with any of the plurality of output gears, and a position of the planetary gear during revolution thereof is determined on the basis of the position where revolution of the planetary gear is limited by the limiting structure, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for opening and closing a barrier in a zoom camera. The device includes a connection lever fixed to a lens barrel of a focus lens group and rotated by the transmission of a rotational power of a focusing motor; and a barrier driving unit including a barrier driving lever contacting the connection lever to receive rotational force of the connection lever and a ring portion for pushing sector pins of barrier sectors in a direction to close the barrier sectors.

Abstract: A camera for use with interchangeable lens barrels that can be attached to and detached from the camera body has a drive mechanism that provides the generating source for the drive power of drive elements inside each lens barrel built into the camera body. The connecting structure that provides a connection between the camera body and lens barrels varies according to the type of lens barrel, for example, whether the lens barrel contains a fixed focal length lens or a variable focal length lens. So, the functions realized by the drive of the drive elements from the drive mechanism vary according to the type of lens barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus including a switching device for switching a power transmission system between first and second states. A holding device holds the switching device at least in the first or the second state. The holding device utilizes an operation device for operating an optical device. An apparatus also for use with a performing device for performing an action relating to at least one of loading and unloading actions of an image recording medium and to a moving device for moving the medium. The latter apparatus includes a transmitting device for transmitting a driving force to the performing device and moving device and a switching device for switching the destination of the driving force.

Abstract: In a zooming-focusing type camera, a driving force of a motor is selectively transmitted to a zooming mechanism for controlling a focal length of an optical lens system, a film winding mechanism for winding a film by a length corresponding to one frame and a film rewinding mechanism for rewinding the film into a film cartridge by a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism has a planet gear revolving among and selectively engages with one of a winding gear of the film winding mechanism, a rewinding gear of the film rewinding mechanism and an input gear of the zooming mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor.

Abstract: A stepping motor driving apparatus for a camera includes 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motors and a drive controller for driving and stopping the stepping motors so that the driven stepping motors are stopped always at a detent position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism comprises a cam element which moves upon modification of an engaging position, a cam follower abutted against a cam surface of the cam element, a detecting element for detecting a position of the cam follower, and a section to be detected provided on the cam follower, for giving at least three different kinds of output values to the detecting element.

Abstract: A stepping motor driving apparatus for a camera having a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor which is driven by a 1-2 phase excitation in response to a drive signal includes a drive control device for stopping the stepping motor at a 1-phase excitation position by de-energizing the stepping motor at the 1-phase excitation position and for stopping the stepping motor at a 2-phase excitation position while maintaining the excitation in a high precision drive control in which the stepping motor is driven at high precision. The drive control device stops the stepping motor by de-energizing the stepping motor always at the 1-phase excitation position in a normal drive control in which no precise drive control of the stepping motor is needed.

Abstract: A photographic lens unit having a stepping motor to drive a cam ring that has a cam portion for driving a counter-cam portion of a lens frame for automatic focus of photographic lenses, and projections for driving a diaphragm. The cam ring is rotated for moving the counter-cam portion in an optical-axis direction with the counter-cam portion in contact with the cam portion. Automatic focus of the photographic lenses and photometry are carried out. Thereafter, the cam ring is further rotated so that the projection can bring the diaphragm to an aperture-narrowing state. The cam ring is then rotated reversely for moving the photographic lenses to an automatic focus position. Photographic operations are then carried out. After photography is completed, the diaphragm is reset by moving the counter-cam portion. The photographic lens unit is thus brought to a ready state for subsequent photography.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a camera, including a first drive power transmission system for transmitting drive power to a finder in order to correct parallax, a second drive transmission system for transmitting drive power to an operating device for operating the device, and a drive power supplying device for selectively supplying drive power to the first drive power transmission system and the second drive power transmission system.